The new study, EPIC-Oxford 2, by Oxford University, will look at what 100,000 people consume today and how it shapes their health and immunity to certain diseases over time. It aims to update the picture previously analysed in the 1990s by its predecessor study, EPIC-Oxford.
Keren Papier, Principal Investigator of the EPIC-Oxford 2 study, and member of the EPIC-Europe Steering Committee said: “large numbers are what let us answer questions earlier studies couldn’t, like how specific diets affect less common diseases.”
In the past, the original EPIC-Oxford revealed important differences in disease risk in people with diverse dietary preferences, including vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat-eaters in the 1990s. They analysed a sample of 65,000 volunteers, mostly women, identifying differences in risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Now, almost 40 years later, it’s time to update the picture. The UK’s food landscape has changed dramatically with new plant-based products and other food options reaching the shelves. The introduction of ultra-processed food, TikTok food trends, and a new range of meat-free diets lead the way towards new questions.
EPIC-Oxford 2 aims to identify patters from information regarding diet, health, lifestyle, and health indicators. Thus, letting researchers analyse disease risk on different dietary preferences more in-depth.
Papier explained: “We’ve learned a lot from EPIC-Oxford. For instance, vegetarians had a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, but a higher risk of fractures and some types of stroke. However, we still don’t know why, or whether fortified foods, supplements or particular food choices can change those risks.”
Regardless of dietary habits, volunteers are invited to answer the questionnaire to take part and allow researchers analyse their answers with health indicators, genetic analyses, clinical trials and other studies around the world. Those who complete the survey can also receive a personalised nutrient report as part of their involvement.
Volunteers can also opt to complete follow-up questionnaires and have their health followed through their health records to check for conditions such as heart disease and cancer which take longer to develop.
Underrepresented groups from previous studies are also encouraged to participate such as: men, younger adults, and people from diverse ethnic minority backgrounds.
“The more the study reflects the whole of the UK, the more useful its findings will be,” stated Papier.
In recent years, meat-free diets have become increasingly popular in diverse age groups. Gaining its highest appeal on younger generations. According to a survey made by Finder on dietary trends in 2025 across the UK, Millennials lead the way on following a meat-free diet (19.6%), succeeded by Gen Z (18.9%).
Papier also explained: “Taking part is entirely voluntary, and people can withdraw at any time. All information is held securely, with personal details removed before analysis, and is used only for approved health research.”
EPIC-Oxford 2 is open to anyone over 18 living in the UK. If you are interested in taking part in the study complete the following questionnaire or visit the EPIC-Oxford 2 website for more information.